Shepherdess Walk

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Shepherdess Walk | Daniela God oy, Ma riela

Go nza lez, William Hunter, Benjamin Lec lair-

Paquet, Xiaolu Li, Colin Ma ly, Sha ron Tan, Puna m

Vaja , And rew Wade, Karol Yanez, Zhe Yang

24.03.2009

UCL|DPU DEVELOPMENT BRIEF


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DevelopmentPlanningUnit 2

0.0 CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction1.1 Terms of Reference 3

1.2 Setting out the Physical and Socio-Economic Context 3

1.3Summary of Policy and Planning Framework 42.0 Area Analysis

2.1Urban Design Characteristics: Shepherdess Walk 52.2 Constraints and Opportunities 6

3.0 Objectives, Visions, Design Principles, Problematic Elements3.1 Objectives 6

3.2 Visions 6

3.3 Design Principles 7

3.4 Problematic Elements 7

4.0 Design Interventions4.1 Signage and Way-finding 8

4.2 Urban Acupuncture 9-10

4.3 Public Realm 11-14

5.0 Phasing Strategy5.1 Phasing Plan 15

5.2 Partnerships 15

5.3 Development Process 15

5.4 Delivery mechanism based on cost analysis 15

6.0 Conclusion 157.0 References 16


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existing zoning diagram: Shepherdess Walk

2.2 Constraints and Opportunities

As per the urban design characteristics presented above, two main constrains havebeen identified. First of all, no clear sings to landmarks or connective paths that help

the orientation, especially for reaching the main landmarks in the area: Regents Canal

and Shepherdess Walk Park. Secondly, there is a lack of mixed land uses. Basically

the area is mostly formed of residential zones and industrial volumes, giving a sense of

thelack of vitality, isolated areas during different times of the day and the lack of a

unique neighbourhood character.

On the other hand, opportunities can be identified. The area has a range of open and

green spaces and building landscapes. Additionally, the area, specifically Shepherdess

Walk, accounts as good access to public transport links and it is located very close to

local amenities such as schools, offices and hospitals.

3.0 OBJECTIVES, VISION, DESIGN PRINCIPLES, PROBLEMATIC ELEMENTS3.1 ObjectivesA primary objective of this brief is to create safe routes that are easily navigable. This

will help the pedestrian to fully utilise and benefit from the existing open spaces in

Shepherdess Walk. We would also like to see the introduction of multi-functional

spaces by diversifying building typology and land use. This will serve to animate the

streetscape through increased commercial activity in a predominately residential area.

As these businesses would cater locally, they would promote community interaction.

3.2 VisionOur vision for Shepherdess Walk is one of strong community and dynamic social

interaction. Local residents will have a vast array of resources within the communitythat are safely and easily accessible to all, while Londoners from other

neighbourhoods will openly explore the beautiful open spaces of Regents Canal and

Shepherdess Walk Park. The vibrancy of the creative industries in the neighbourhood

will be both a point of pride for local residents and a unique means of attracting and

welcoming visitors.


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DevelopmentPlanningUnit 7comprehensive intervention proposal map diagram

3.3 Design Principles

By using the existing strengths of the area as a starting point on which we build ourstrategic interventions, we are also addressing a crosscutting issue that permeates our

proposal: security. Our localised interventions reach their full transformative potential

over a variety of time scales, ranging from short-term to long-term. This approach both

addresses weaknesses in the area and builds upon existing strengths. Orienting our

design interventions from both of these angles, we provide a very thorough proposal

for Shepherdess Walk. Furthermore, the design intervention focuses on non-motorized

interpretation of the city, which fits comfortably with the guidelines of the Local

Development Framework. The cumulative effect of these principles strengthens a

sense of community and social interaction.

3.4 Problematic ElementsThere exists a lack of legibility in the urban environment. Old Street underground

station and both Shepherdess Walk Park and Shoreditch Park represent important

nodes of activity for Shoreditch, however the fabric between them doesnt promote

interaction between these spaces. Increased legibility will both enhance perceived

security and nurture an appropriate link between these existing nodes. Furthermore,

the urban form is not reflective of the function and usage of certain streets in the area,

namely Shepherdess Walk and Murray Grove.

The second problematic element revolves around the issue of navigability and

pedestrian isolation from points of interest. As it stands, paths encouraging the

transition from Shepherdess Walk Park and Regents Canal (located less than 100

meters away) are nonexistent. This is partly due to the industrial scale and

configuration of the buildings lining the canal, and its position below street level.

A further problematic element is the homogenous and stagnant character and function

of the area. Residents do not benefit from local, service-oriented businesses. InWestern cities, commercial areas serve as spaces of social interaction and community.

This is an aspect of urban life that is distinctly absent from Shepherdess Walk.


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Shepherdess Walk is a major penetration link between City Road and Regents Canal

and therefore is a backbone of the area and essential to its sustained development. In

order to transform this backbone link, we propose sites of commercial acupuncture.This entails locating buildings and parts of buildings, specifically ground floors that can

be reclaimed for potential conversion that will promote activity and thus complete a

coherent link between established commercial realms. The significance of this

acupuncture is that it will primarily serve those local residents and their everyday

routines. In a twofold manner it should also provide a more welcoming passage for

those traveling through the site. If commercial activity emerges in successful ways the

prevention of criminal activity should be minimized as once empty streets will become

regularly inhabited throughout the entire day. People will be less isolated behind

closed doors and start to form relationships, however passive with their neighbors andothers on the street. A relative example to how this is already in play close by; the

Kingsland Road/A10 corridor. Here a diversity of commercial business combined with

residential and other typologies create a heterogeneous fabric.

lone commercial business near Shepherdess Walk

This photo illustrates how mixed-use can be achieved in residential neighbourhoods. By introducing

commercial functions on the ground floor of multi-storey residential units, local businesses can change the

dynamic of the public realm, while offering services to local residents. This can stimulate social exchanges

within the local community, as commercial strips often double as social arenas in the context of Western cities.

intervention diagram 1: proposed

acupuncture sites along Shepherdess Walk

and the Park perimeter- indicated by the red

dots

intervention diagram 1: future potential

acupuncture sites in the immediate

surrounding areas- indicated by the

orange dots


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DevelopmentPlanning

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4.3 Public RealmThe public realm intervention will cover proposals for the open spaces networks, safepublic routes and inner-block landscaping.

diagram showing proposed areas of intervention

Overall connectivity: Open Spaces Network

The creation of an overall connectivity of the main open spaces throughout the site willentail the creation of a pattern of landscaping similar to green-corridors These will

connect Shepherdess Walk Park, Regents Canal, Wenlock Basin, and the other major

open spaces (e.g Shoreditch Park and Hoxton Square). Through the use of uniform

landscape design and retaining the individuality of each unique area, locals and other

Londoners will be able to recognise the uniform high quality of the spaces.

Ex 1: Canal side development- Carr

Lodge Farm, Doncaster This

concept could be replicated for

Regents Canal, where the functions

of buildings positioned on either of

its sides are typologically very

different. By underlining the

opportunity that a waterway in the

middle of a city truly represents, the

use of landscape can influence the

orientation of the built environment

These will be spaces with both soft and hard landscaping. The soft landscaping will be

low lying, with a range of plant and tree types used (See Example 1). The hard

landscaping will incorporate street furniture, such as seating and lighting, and

pavements will be treated with a uniform surface material, all along the network.

In order to ensure the quality of these spaces is as high as one-another, regular

maintenance of the spaces is vital. Through necessary upgrading, the level of quality

of the open spaces will be of the same, high standard. As recognised through the

analysis, Shoreditch Park has, for instance already undergone an extensive renovation

process, and parts of development along the canal will mean parts of the canal

walkway will be newly developed, in comparison to other areas.

Safe public routes: PedestrianisationThis intervention seeks a more integrative vision of the area and a greater legibility

through linking the open spaces within a local public realm network . Following this

objective the first action is to identify a potential system of open spaces located in


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DevelopmentPlanning

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In a book titled Great Streets (1995), Allan B Jacobs identifies resting areas as one key criterion for creating

successful urban spaces. They can add to the pedestrian experience by adding a new dimension to the

streetscape, which must offer more than commercial activities and a path for circulation to truly become a great

street. This sort of resting area contributes to the multidimensionality of a street.

Ex. 3 - A community led intervention where both access is maintained, and the use of the open space for the

local residents is enhanced.(Source: Sustrans)

A. plaza before

A. plaza after

The physicality of the public realm should encourage animation and interaction. Although social exchanges

typically take place on commercial streets in the Western context, they do not have to take place inside the

businesses themselves. Admittedly, as social or economic status is not a requirement for joining in (Jacobs,

1995, p. 9), streets ought to be settings for activities that bring people together (Jacobs, 1995, p.8). Placing

benches or urban furniture can act as catalyst for transforming poorly used sidewalks into lively env ironments.


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B. The next inner-block landscaped space is in Blestoe Walk (see images B); avery local space, which is not used for parking, and is not gated or in use for

anything else. As this will be largely resident led, a possibility is temporarystreet art (see Ex.4 and B, after), which involves the local residents, and were

there is scope to give a range of ideas a go.

Blestoe Walk is an example of a poor use of the urban realm as it represents a large hard surface, which serves

no apparent purpose. In the context of London and its density, such places could be readapted to benefit the

people of Shoreditch.

B. Blestoe Walk before

B. Blestoe Walk after

Ex.4 Temporary street art (source: Sustrans) Top: Young children paint the street Below: A street-art day

Not all urban spaces are used throughout the week. This precedent illustrates how a zone which was not used

during a weekend can be used to host a community street art event which can strengthen a sense of belonging

while fostering social ties. This use of the public realm could help the people of Shoreditch achieve what they

cannot achieve alone from a sociological point of view. Furthermore, it could decorate a place, giving it a

distinct identity.


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7.0 REFERENCES

Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Block Structure, Shoretditch area

study, University College London

Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Open space system, Shoretditch

area study, University College London

Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Access, Shoretditch area study,

University College London

Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Massing/Density, Shoretditch areastudy, University College London

Development Planning Unit, 2009, Urban analysis, Landmarks, Significant Buildings

and View Corridors, Shoretditch area study, University College London

South Shoreditch Supplementary Planning Document, (2006),

http://www.hackney.gov.uk/ep-planning-policy-spd-sshoreditch.htm (acceded 19-

march-2009) Page 158.

Development Plan for London, (2002),

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_plannin

g/Planning/Planning_policy/udp_2002.htm (acceded 19-march-2009), Page 18.

Jacobs, AB 1995, Great Streets, The MIT Press, Cambridge.

London Borough of Hackney website http://www.hackney.gov.uk/xp-factsandfigures

Lynch, K 1960, The image of the City, The MIT Press, Cambridge.

Open Space Strategy, (2007),

http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/strategies/sds/open_space.jsp (acceded 10-march-

2009) Page 59

Plan Better London, (2008),

http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/Transport/consultationsandresponses/planningforab

etterLondon.htm (acceded 19-march-2009) Page 40

Hackney Local Development Scheme, (2005), http://www.hackney.gov.uk/ep-policy-

lds.htm (accessed 19-march-2005) Pages 86

Summary Graph Hackney Local Development Scheme (2005)

http://www.hackney.gov.uk/ep-policy-lds.htm (accessed 19-march-2005)

Shoreditch NDC Data

Ben Smith - Shoreditch Trust Research and Evaluation [email protected]

Office of National Statistics

www.statistics.gov.uk

Shepherdess Walk

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